Attraction Guide: Beckhampton Avenue, Avebury, UK

Beckhampton Avenue Guide

Unveiling the Past: Discovering Beckhampton Avenue's Secrets Guide

Beckhampton Avenue, a lesser-known but equally fascinating avenue of standing stones, once connected Avebury Stone Circle to the Beckhampton Neolithic complex. While less of the avenue remains compared to Kennet Avenue, exploring its remnants offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of Avebury's ancient landscape. Imagine the rituals and ceremonies that may have taken place along this pathway, connecting two significant Neolithic sites. The construction of Beckhampton Avenue is believed to have occurred around the same time as Kennet Avenue, during the late Neolithic period. The avenue stretched for approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) and consisted of around 172 pairs of standing stones. Unlike Kennet Avenue, which features stones of varying shapes and sizes, Beckhampton Avenue primarily used smaller, more uniform stones. Unfortunately, much of the avenue was destroyed in the 18th and 19th centuries, with many stones being used for building materials. However, recent archaeological investigations have uncovered evidence of the avenue's original layout, and efforts are underway to raise awareness of its significance. Today, visitors can explore the remaining sections of Beckhampton Avenue, which are primarily located in fields to the west of Avebury. While the avenue is less visually striking than Kennet Avenue, it offers a more intimate and secluded experience. Walking along its path allows you to connect with the landscape on a deeper level and imagine the avenue in its original glory. There are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to Beckhampton Avenue, but the nearby village of Avebury offers several pubs and cafes serving traditional British food and drinks.